Of Doctor Visits and Delays

Yesterday was our Honeybee’s 9-month well baby visit.  FatherWinter took her to the doctor’s office and was met by Honeybee’s social worker, Ms. Care.  We wanted to make sure that Ms. Care received all of the medical documentation.  We’ve found that sometimes the doctor’s office forgets to forward it on to Ms. Care and we need it to build for Honeybee’s court file.  We weren’t really expecting anything at the visit.  Honeybee has been all smiles and coos lately, with the exception of a couple of flares.

Imagine my surprise to receive a phone call after the visit to inform me that Honeybee has not one, but TWO ear infections!!!  My poor baby!  She hadn’t been pulling her ears or complaining or anything.  We had no idea.  My poor, poor Honeybee!!  The NP suggested that the culprit could be the cold that Honeybee has been fighting all week long.  Honeybee was prescribed an antibiotic.  They did the measuring and found out she is 13 lbs, 2.5 ounces and has only gained 1 pound 7 ounces since her last visit.  I was a bit concerned about that, but since her appetite is so voracious (Honeybee can EAT), there wasn’t much concern from the office staff.

There were, however, items requiring observation.  Honeybee has a slight developmental delay with her fine and gross motor skills.  She will put food in her mouth, but can’t use her thumb and forefinger.  She tries to feed herself with her entire fist.  She pulls herself up to her knees, but not to her legs consistently as the doctors said she should.  She also doesn’t wave or respond to bye-bye.  Sigh.  When Ms. Care told me that, I was a bit worried that we’d done something to fail Honeybee.  I was assured that we had not.  Honeybee’s delays are slight and could be simply a biological development. 

She reminded me that our Honeybee is a mobile machine.  She gets everywhere she wants as fast as she wants.  She is more than inquisitive and has learned to vocalize to get her point across.  While the delays were something to be aware of, there was no need to panic.  We would just govern ourselves according to the need.  I appreciated the assurance, but made sure to immediately start seeking developmental toys that could help in her development delays and games she and I could play that would encourage the same.

 Then, there was our friend, the dreaded ECZEMA.  Ugh….I thought we’d slain this beast (or at the very least knocked his butt out).  It turns out the weather change has been doing a number on Honeybee’s skin.  While last week it was smooth, yesterday Honeybee’s back, ankles, inner thigh, and side were all alligator like and ridiculously dry DESPITE the momentasone and tons of SheaMoisture Shea Butter Eczema cream that I grease her down with every morning and night.  (Not paid as a promotion or anything, but my personal opinion is this stuff is AWESOME!)

The NP, with the doctor’s approval, has now given us a new lotion prescription that we are to use daily, as well as orders for a very specific brand of soap that is not inexpensive.  SIGH.  I’d noticed 

the skin fluctuations, but thought I could get it back in line without the harsh products minus her cream of course.  Hopefully, we will be able to find something soon.  Honeybee hasn’t really been complaining, but she hasn’t really been sleeping as peacefully as summer months either.  Occasionally, the itching keeps her up until 10 and awakens her at 2. Maybe the new additions will help.

Overall, the visit may not have gone as great as I would have liked it to have gone, but I have no complaints.  Honeybee is a happy, babbling, energetic, and loving baby girl who is so loved, it is ridiculous!  I am still looking forward to exposing her to some great new experiences whether she remembers them or not.  With a less itchy belly and finer motor skills, the experience can only enhanced!  Stay tuned to see what’s coming next!

-WinterMommy